On March 26, Brazilian President Lula and Japanese PM Ishiba met in Tokyo to create a five-year action plan focusing on mutual visits, economic security, and defense dialogues. Lula aims to negotiate a trade agreement with Japan and the Southern Common Market. This meeting celebrates 130 years of diplomatic relations and reflects Brazil’s effort to diversify its trade partnerships, enhancing collaboration with Japan.

On March 26, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba convened at the Akasaka Palace in Tokyo to devise a five-year action plan ensuring mutual cooperation. The proactive agenda consists of biennial head-of-state visits, enhancing economic security via supply chain development, and initiating foreign affairs and defense dialogues to fortify bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the importance of collaborative problem-solving, stating, “I would like to further strengthen our relationship as partners who share the responsibility for solving problems.” In response, President Lula underscored the significance of shared democratic values and trade as vital for both nations’ progress, affirming, “Confirming the importance of the values of democracy, multilateralism and free trade… will be an important key to the development of both of our countries.”

The meeting also revealed that Japanese investments in Brazil are projected to reach approximately 1.3 trillion yen (around $8.65 billion) as of 2024. Ishiba expressed his aspiration for the economic collaboration to reach unprecedented levels, indicating a significant uplift in trade relations. Lula, accompanied by leaders from around 80 Brazilian companies, including the major aircraft manufacturer Embraer, highlighted the signing of 84 memorandums of understanding by both governments and corporations.

During their press briefing, President Lula articulated intentions to initiate negotiations for a trade agreement with Japan and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) in the latter half of this year, coinciding with Brazil’s chairmanship. This year also commemorates the 130th anniversary of Japan-Brazil diplomatic relations, marking an important historical milestone.

Lula’s visit, the first by a state leader in approximately six years, follows a period of Brazil reassessing its trade dynamics, particularly with China and the U.S. Amidst this, expectations for a robust trade evolution with Japan remain optimistic. Furthermore, Brazil is poised to assert itself as a key player in the Global South, particularly within BRICS and at the forthcoming COP30 conference, boosting its international standing and collaborations.

The recent meeting between Brazilian President Lula and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba marked a pivotal step towards strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations. With ambitious plans for mutual visits, trade agreements, and enhanced cooperation in international affairs, both leaders aim to elevate their countries’ partnership. As Brazil seeks to diversify its trade relationships and assert its influence on the global stage, Japan remains a critical ally in this new economic landscape, reaffirming the significance of shared democratic and trade values.

Original Source: www.asahi.com

Related posts:

Japanese and Brazilian Leaders Enhance Strategic Partnership during State Visit Brazil and Japan Leaders Highlight Democracy and Free Trade in Talks Brazil and Japan Emphasize Democracy and Free Trade in Bilateral Meeting Brazil and Japan Leaders Enhance Ties Through Multilateral Action Plan